Where to Find the Best Plate Lunches on Oahu

Where to Find the Best Plate Lunches on Oahu

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Clean Plate Club

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Like so many other Hawaiian culinary traditions, the plate lunch is a product of the late 19th century plantation era on the islands. Backbreaking work for long hours in the fields led to the need for hearty lunches that could stand the heat, while the ethnic diversity of laborers ensured a mix of entrees that gained wider popularity as workers shared their meals. Today the plate lunch generally features a protein — perhaps Korean kalbi short ribs, kalua pig (smoky shredded pork), chicken katsu (Japanese fried chicken cutlet), or fried mahi mahi on shredded cabbage to soak up the grease — plus two scoops of rice (traditionally white) and a macaroni-mayonnaise mix known as mac salad or another side. Here are a few of our favorite places for a plate lunch on Oahu.

But wait, there’s more. We’re here to help demystify some of the unusual words you might see on menus like furikake, laulau and lilikoi — and explain which meat is being served and why. And possibly most importantly of all, provide the fun facts on the origins of local dishes

If you’re happy with your meal, tag us @LocalGetaways on Instagram to share the love.

Plate Lunches on Oahu's South Shore

A takeout meal in a white foam container containing white rice, slices of roasted meat, and a serving of kimchi from the best Hawaiian food spot in Oahu. Next to the container are two small plastic cups: one with potato salad and the other with a red, saucy dish.
Photo: @alicias

Alicia’s Market

Offering mini plate and regular plate lunches, Alicia’s offers endless combinations for your plate. Their menu mix has gradually grown and includes their famous poke bar with up to 30 varieties of seafood and salads. Open Monday to Friday 8am to 7pm and Saturday 8am to 6pm. Closed Sunday. 

A foam container with grilled beef short ribs, sliced chicken, kimchi, white rice, and a green salad. The ribs are garnished with chopped green onions. The salad has lettuce and a light dressing. The kimchi is vibrant with red-orange color—truly one of the best plate lunches Oahu offers.
Photo: @hillarydixlercanavan

Diamond Head Market and Grill

Mixed plates (protein plus rice and salad) are the staple at this all-day dining room and bakery, but you can also get most of the proteins as a simple burger or sandwich. Save room for a slice of cake from the bakery, especially chocolate haupia (coconut cream). Diamond Head Market and Grill is open daily 8am to 8pm. 

A plate of crispy, golden-brown fried fish garnished with chopped green onions is placed next to a bowl of creamy macaroni salad. Known for some of the best plate lunches Oahu offers, this meal features well-cooked fish and macaroni salad brimming with bits of mixed vegetables.
Photo: @hawaiisbestkitchens

Helena’s Hawaiian Food

Originally opened in 1946, the family-run Helena’s has been at its current location since 2001. The down-home vibe and hearty local-style menu can’t be beat—kalua pig, short ribs pipikaula, beef stew. The set menus are the best value, provided you’re hungry enough. Bring cash. Open Tuesday through Friday 10am to 7:30pm and would be grateful for your business. 

A close-up of a takeout container filled with a mixture of shredded salmon, diced avocado, and leafy greens served over rice. A small plastic cup filled with a dark dipping sauce is placed on the side. A portion of lettuce is visible in the background—a true taste of the best plate lunches Oahu offers.
Photo: @pioneersaloonhawaii

Pioneer Saloon

The specialty here is the super ono plate lunch. There are plenty of selections; try the butterfish if you aren’t in the mood for meat. Pioneer Saloon has two locations, one just outside Waikiki on Monsarrat and a newer, hip location in the booming Kaka’ako neighborhood that has some great outdoor seating. Open daily from 11am to 8pm. 

A close-up of a takeout container with two sections of food, showcasing one of the best plate lunches Oahu has to offer. The left section features diced raw fish mixed with creamy sauce and chopped green onions on a bed of white rice, while the right section boasts fried pieces of chicken with a dark glaze, also on rice.
Photo: @pongoskitchen

Pongo’s Kitchen

Pick your entree — whether it be fish, pork, beef, etc. — and then choose the drizzle, sauce, or butter of your choice to go with it. Then enjoy! Pongo’s is open Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 

A table spread of the best plate lunches Oahu offers on white plates: steak with rice and macaroni salad, fried eggs with rice and gravy, sausages with sauce, French fries in a box, and assorted sauces in small cups, along with drinks, all placed on a green table.
Photo: @rainbowdrivein

Rainbow Drive-In

This place has been a local fav since 1961. With four locations, so no matter where you are on the island, you can get your plate lunch fix, including Portuguese sausage, loco moco, spam and mahi mahi. All plates come with two scoops of rice and a scoop of macaroni salad, although you can substitute for French fries and coleslaw. Rainbow Drive in is open daily 7am to 9pm. 

Plate Lunches on Oahu's North Shore

A person holds a salad plate topped with shredded meat. The salad includes fresh greens, tomato slices, cucumber slices, and sprouts and is accompanied by a small container of dressing. Set against a sunlit street surface, this could rival the best plate lunches Oahu has to offer.
Photo: @konosnorthshore

Kono’s Haleiwa

Kono’s has been voted #1 Plate Lunch, Best Breakfast, Restaurant under $29 person and Best Cheap Eats on Oʻahu the last two years. Their ono-pork-inspired dishes range from breakfast bombers to plates, wraps, and salads. Open 7am to 2:30pm daily and is grateful for your business. 

Did we miss your favorite restaurant? 
Our always-hungry team of foodies have compiled this list.
Please let us know if we’ve missed your favorite eat@localgetaways.com.

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